ailment

noun

ail·​ment ˈāl-mənt How to pronounce ailment (audio)
1
: a bodily disorder or chronic disease
a stomach ailment
2
: unrest, uneasiness
an emotional ailment

Examples of ailment in a Sentence

She suffered from a chronic back ailment. The doctor treated him for a variety of ailments.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In several cases, chimps with ailments went out of their way to look for these plants. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024 As reported by Newsweek and The Associated Press (AP), the agency has faced criticism from those who have reported cases and from advocates who accuse the government of long dismissing the array of ailments. David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024 Bone broth was traditionally seen as a remedy for a variety of ailments, such as digestive issues, joint pain and even as a cure for colds or flu, thanks to its rich nutrient content and ability to soothe the body. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 26 Dec. 2024 Shyam Benegal, a pivotal figure in Indian cinema known for his incisive and socially conscious storytelling, died on Monday in Mumbai following a chronic kidney ailment, his daughter confirmed to India Today. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ailment 

Word History

Etymology

ail entry 1 + -ment

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ailment was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near ailment

Cite this Entry

“Ailment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ailment. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

ailment

noun
ail·​ment ˈāl-mənt How to pronounce ailment (audio)
: a bodily disorder : sickness

Medical Definition

ailment

noun
ail·​ment ˈā(ə)l-mənt How to pronounce ailment (audio)
: a bodily disorder or chronic disease

More from Merriam-Webster on ailment

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